As the days become shorter and we move into the darkness of the autumn season, it is very common to feel our mood shift as well.  We begin to slow down and reflect on the abundance of activity, socializing, and joy the summer brought to our heart spirit.  We feel the darkness and chill of the days slowly extinguishing our fire.  In Chinese Medicine, the autumn is associated with the emotion of grief and sadness.  When darkness is all around us, it is easy to feel the same within.  In Western Medicine, many people are diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is a depressive mood disorder associated with the change in the seasons, mainly winter, but can begin as early as the autumn season.

Chinese Medicine has been shown to be an effective healing modality in the treatment of depression.  The National Institutes for Health (NIH) have established the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine which funds research studies in various holistic treatments. In one study done by Dr. John Allen and other researchers at the University of Arizona, acupuncture was used to treat a sample of women with depression. The results showed that  70% of participants experienced at least a 50% reduction of symptoms. This research marked the first U.S. randomized, controlled, double-blind study of acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating depression. The NIH funded study concludes, “Acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones in a good way.”

In Chinese Medicine, we treat the mind, body, and spirit as a whole.  Our emotions are considered a cause of disease and each of the 12 organ systems/channels pertains to a certain emotion, thought and belief.  We can effectively treat depression by understanding how depression feels to us, and how it manifests in our thoughts and beliefs.  These symptoms will then guide us to which organ system needs the most support to create a more sense of well being and peace.

Generally, results with acupuncture and herbs are cumulative, improving week by week. Treatment begins with one or two sessions per week and tapers off as the condition improves.

Acupuncture and herbs are not only safe, but can also effectively be used together with anti-depressant medications.

Trust that in darkness, you will find light!

Allen, J., Schnyer, R., Hitt, S. The Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of
Major Depressive Disorder in Women. Psychol. Sci. 1998:9:397-401